Sega of America promotes Maeda to COO
Exec responsible for Creative Assembly deal moves West to join Hayes
Sega has promoted Masanao Maeda to COO of its American business, to oversee day-to-day sales and marketing for the US and Europe.
Maeda is credited with spearheading a western push for the Japanese business, including the deal that saw the company purchase UK developer The Creative Assembly.
"Maeda carries a wealth of knowledge about Sega and the Sega properties with him thanks to his many years with Sega of Japan in Tokyo," commented Mike Hayes, CEO of Sega of America and Europe.
"His accomplishments in Tokyo are a testament to the quality of leader we anticipate him being here as he helps to take Sega of America to new heights in the videogame market."
Maeda has been with Sega of Japan since 1991, and most recently was corporate director for Sega’s Consumer Business Division and executive advisor in the Tokyo, Japan headquarters.
"I am looking forward to working at Sega of America and getting to work more closely with the team there," said Maeda.
"Though I have worked with Sega of America a great deal over the past 18 years, I look forward to the opportunity to be more closely involved with the development process for the Western markets."
Naoya Tsurumi, previously CEO of Sega America and Europe, moves to Japan to become managing director of the Consumer Business Division, overseeing all game development for the company.